Discrimination still a major problem in Switzerland, says UN

The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has concluded that discrimination remains a major problem in Switzerland, with women, gypsies, immigrants and poor people most affected.

According to swissinfo,the committee criticised the wage inequality between men and women, noting that the gap had recently increased. Furthermore, women made up 68.8 per cent of the people doing low wage work.

It was recommended that women be better protected from domestic violence as in cases where foreigners might be worried about losing their residence permits if they speak out against their husbands.

The committe criticised the poor accomodation given to asylum seekers, such as underground military bunkers and encouraged Switzerland to provide more campgrounds for gypsies.

In addition, the committee called on the federal government to do more to support the poor,including the working poor and extinguish Switzerland’s “increasing intolerance and xenophobia”.